Course Objectives:

By the end of the course you should be able to understand, evaluate and apply a range of research methodologies as they relate to communication inquiry, including within your own area of interest.

Like a carpenter with her or his tools:

You will know your own research tool kit; you will know when it is appropriate to reach in and use, say, ethnographic case studies and content analysis (or some combination of these and other research); and,

You will be able to look at other research “construction sites” and evaluate if the right tools were used properly.

You should also have improved:

Critical analysis and application of research – both in the academic and wider public realms, especially through media and strategic communications management of research;

Understanding of how ethical insight is applied to communication research projects;

Writing and oral presentation skills, particularly as they apply to research proposal, planning and reporting techniques;

Team work abilities as they apply to the research process and the various stages of research design, data collection, analysis and reporting.

Textbooks, Materials & Fees:

Other than the main text (price set by bookstore; used versions are widely available at a lower cost); there are no material or other fees.

Method of Assessment:

Item

Value

Due

In-Lecture Quizzes:

Top 4 of 5 quiz marks

5%

In class for 5 weeks; starting week of Jan. 15

Group Presentations on the “5-W’s” of Research Methods

5%

Weeks 3,4,5

Tutorial:

-Attendance (5%)

-Participation (5%)

-On-Line Journals, Wks 2-11 (10%)

20%

Weekly

(Journal Entries due

Sunday before lectures by 10 pm at latest)

Research Projects:

-RQ’s & Methods (10%)

-Research Proposal (10%)

-Oral Research Pitch (5%)

-Applied Research Paper (25%)

50%

(See Schedule Below)

Final Exam

20%

April

(As scheduled by the university)

Policy on Missed Work, Extensions, and Late Penalties:

Submission of Assignments: All assignments must be personally submitted at the beginning of class on the date it is due. Do not drop off assignments in the CMST office (it will be considered late unless handed in to me in class). If you submit an assignment late you may only do so in the next scheduled class.

Late assignments will be penalized 10% per late class. Extensions will be given only for documented medical reasons (and as per MSAF policies), and should be discussed before due date.

Please Note the Following Policies and Statements:

Academic Dishonesty

You are expected to exhibit honesty and use ethical behaviour in all aspects of the learning process. Academic credentials you earn are rooted in principles of honesty and academic integrity.

Academic dishonesty is to knowingly act or fail to act in a way that results or could result in unearned academic credit or advantage. This behaviour can result in serious consequences, e.g. the grade of zero on an assignment, loss of credit with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: "Grade of F assigned for academic dishonesty"), and/or suspension or expulsion from the university.

It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty. For information on the various types of academic dishonesty please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy, located at www.mcmaster.ca/academicintegrity

The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty:

Plagiarism, e.g. the submission of work that is not one’s own or for which other credit has been obtained.

Improper collaboration in group work.

Copying or using unauthorized aids in tests and examinations.

Email correspondence policy

It is the policy of the Faculty of Humanities that all email communication sent from students to instructors (including TAs), and from students to staff, must originate from each student’s own McMaster University email account. This policy protects confidentiality and confirms the identity of the student. Instructors will delete emails that do not originate from a McMaster email account.

Modification of course outlines

The University reserves the right to change dates and/or deadlines etc. for any or all courses in the case of an emergency situation or labour disruption or civil unrest/disobedience, etc. If a modification becomes necessary, reasonable notice and communication with the students will be given with an explanation and the opportunity to comment on changes. Any significant changes should be made in consultation with the Department Chair.

McMaster Student Absence Form (MSAF)

In the event of an absence for medical or other reasons, students should review and follow the Academic Regulation in the Undergraduate Calendar Requests for Relief for Missed Academic Term Work. Please note these regulations have changed beginning Fall 2015. You can find information at mcmaster.ca/msaf/. If you have any questions about the MSAF, please contact your Associate Dean's office.

Academic Accommodation of Students with Disabilities

Students who require academic accommodation must contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to make arrangements with a Program Coordinator. Academic accommodations must be arranged for each term of study. Student Accessibility Services can be contacted by phone 905-525-9140 ext. 28652 or e-mail sas@mcmaster.ca. For further information, consult McMaster University's Policy for Academic Accommodation of Students with Disabilities.

Students requiring academic accommodation based on religion and spiritual observances should follow the procedures set out in the Course Calendar or by their respective Faculty. In most cases, the student should contact his or her professor or academic advisor as soon as possible to arrange accommodations for classes, assignments, tests and examinations that might be affected by a religious holiday or spiritual observance.

Other Course Information:

Submission of Assignments: All assignments must be personally submitted at the beginning of class on the date it is due. Do not drop off assignments in the CMST office (it will be considered late unless handed in to me in class). If you submit an assignment late you may only do so in the next scheduled class. Exceptions are made with regard to MSAF situation

Late Assignment Policy: Late assignments will be penalized 10% per late class. Extensions will be given only for documented medical reasons, and must be discussed before due date.

Copies/Back-ups: All assigned work must be submitted on paper, not mailed electronically (with exception of the on-line forum). Always maintain electronic or other back-up copies of whatever you submit.